Sprinkling and steaming flat iron



April 10, 1956 l H. MAYKEMPER SPRINKLING AND STEAMING FLAT IRON Filed 0G12. 4, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 H. MAYKEMPER SPRINKLING AND STEAMING FLAT IRON April 1o, 1956 Filed Oct. 4, 1951 INVENTOR. WW

April 10, 1956 H. MAYKEMPER SFRINKLING AND STEAMING FLAT IRON 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 4, 1951 IN V EN TOR. WW

[340% BNQ/1464A Bul/m* NQ@ xbm www United States Pater. "C

Henry MaykempenauClare, Ws., assignor'tq'Nationval illresto Industries,lnc., a ,corporation ot .Wisconsin Applicaton'ctdber `4, '1951; Serialv No.`249,"681

esclama tot.. 38.411).

The present invention relates to improvements in iat irons and, Vparticularly, `.fto.--irr,1prov.ed niiet irons-.adapted 't0 beutilized, selectively at-,the ',wilhof tthe `operator., as a dry iron,...a steaml ironpor'aisprinkliogiron.- t

,-Heretofore various proposals have been imade in the alii ifor' electric; ilat irons; for dry ironing,l forseleetric,` steam irons and ,for electric irons incorporating means `for sprinklinguid on the `article toibe roned. ,In my -,co. pending applicationSerialNo.785 ,897,.1iledtNovember i4, 19.47, .nowglatent 'N o. 2,615,265, .issued-Qctober. 28,111,952,

a-,continuationein-part of. myearlier applica-tion. Serial No.

.7 ,l,0,80 0, filed November 19, 1946, now abandoned, ,I have`l disclosed ,an electric .steam iron, ,and vin ,my- .copending application Serial 1No. 159,783, tiled May 3, .195.0Jqnow. vPatent No. 2,674,054, issued Aprile, `1.954, 1I have disclosed an electric sprinkling iron. Both ,ofmypriorfiro'ns incorporate ,a tank or .reservoir `for l.liquid adapted .to be heatedfrom the 'sole plate of-,the:iron and discharge passageway means for discharging Asteam and liquid, respectively, .onto `thework `to lbe ironed. Bothirons are .adapted to be used for either wet (steam and sprinkling, rrespete tivelylor drygironing ,as .may .be desired.

lIn .ironing a Fnornvial,family wash, the housewiiefisconf fronted with materials that must .he tdryvgironed, .other materials that .are v.bestirtmed whenidarnpened, and .still .other -rnaterials that are kbest ,ironed `withJthe application of steam. However, ,most housewives are provided with only .a .single iron. AIf the iron is .the I,ctmventional .dry type, the housewife must-predampen .the wash thatis to .he damp honed and `must employ .a .dampened4 pressing ycloth for the wash that ,is ,to besteam ironed. .-If .the housewife is equipped `with .either of my prior irons, her worl:` .is r,substantially decreased. QFor example, if .the .housewife has my ,steam iron,`she does .not use a dampened pressing cloth for :the .Steam yironing and this source Vof .extra work, bother :and irritation ,is eliminated. Howeven sheis still requiredto yprt:dampenpthe wash for .damp ironing. ,1f she has .my sprinkling iron,`.h necessity .for predampening is eliminated .thus .saving a `great deal tof time and energy, However, .the sprinkling .iron is not adapted .for direct steam ronins- Y It ,is .fan Object .0f the ,present invention .to provide .an improved iron.fadapted to perform yall .three types of ironing, whereby ,the user may lProceed directly through. a large ironing without the ,necessity for predarnpening, or. the necessity .for employment of va pressing cloth.

Another 'objecty of the invention is ,td-provide an improved iron including a liquid reservoir, means, for -discharging liquid .forwardly of Athe iron, vsteam A generator means, a discharge `port .for steam, .and .controls .forselec-l tivelyrcndering said means operative ,and inoperative.

A lfurther object of theinvention is .the provision of .an improved iron including a heated sole plate and steam. generator .means selectively movable ,toward and away .from the .sole plate, whereby the steam .generator may be.

rendered operative and inoperative, respectively. at the will oftheuser. ,p Astill further object. of the inventionvis theprovxsxon .ot

an imprtwediironsoonstructed in accordance withltheforegoingiandi including 'controlinstrumentalities in the, handle thereowhetbytthe control of the ironfor-dry, sprinking, or-:stcannroningtmayz b'e effected conveniently Iby'thehand of t. thezuser femployed in manipulating the iron.

z-Itqis alsolanobjectv of .the present inventiontofprovide animproved ironof the character-dened including con.- trol instrumentalties .for selectively rendering the :iron operativefor .ldry ironing, f sprinkling ironing, steam iiron ingrvraa combinationof. sprinklingfand steam ironing.

According. to the present invention, I j provide an. improved ironfincluding an electricallyy heated sole;plate,"fa handle :for manipulating .the iron, Va .water reservoir :spaced from-the ,sole -,plateeso.as to receive on1y.a'limited amount ofheat, if `any,.therefron a,l a sprinklingidischarge A port for directing water forwardlyof the iroma pump having-an operating member .in .the handle -for forcing -water from thetreservoirtotsaid port, asteam 1 generator, .a steam :discharge port inithe sole plate of therron, the handlehaving a .veltitllA bore ,therein adjacent-the :forward end '.thereof, the-.steamgenerator being vertically alignedwith the bore in the handle, and a removable closure for the bore :iii the lhandle, -theclosure being yoperatively associated with the pump and withA the stearn'generatorandbeingmovable to control the operability .of the .pump and :the Asteam generator.`v`

{As willhe appreciated, the ironof Vthe presenti-.inven- .tion `may be .used .in the .absence of liquidin-the ,reservoir for dry ironing., Also, .the .steam generator vand fpump contrl,means,..the closure, may .be .manipulatedftotrender both devices inoperative so that Athe ironmay-be used `for dry ironing even when .the reservoir is filled with water. The controlmeans or closure isfurther capableof manipulation to-.accommodate sprinkling only, steaming only, or

both steaming andsprinkling at ,the same time, as desired. The control means or-closure and the pump operating member are disposed immediately at the operators i'lngcr tips -for ready and convenient operation. Accordingly, 'it will be appreciated that the present invention provides :for all types of 'ironing "by means of a'single iron.

In addition to the foregoing, the present `invention 'provides the advantage that, in ironing, the .changes to be made from one type of .ironing 'to another may .be very rapidlyelected and there is no necessity yfor allowing the iron'to co'o1,'for emptying the liquid'from the reservoir, .or the like.

As will 'become apparent hereinafter, the I,present .invention is capable .of various embodiments and two 'embodimen'ts'thereof are disclosed herein. .In one embodi mentfwhich may be referred toa boiler type unit, the liquid reservoir is Vlocated within the iron housing and the steam ,generator is disposed within` the reservoir and includes means .movable into and `out of heat vconducting relation with Vthe sole plate of Vthe iron. When "in fheat conducting engagement with the sole plate, the steam gen erator acts in fthe same manner as :has been disclosed in my ,Ratent No. 2,615,265, wherein a limited amount fof heat is transmitted to the liquid reservoir or boiler sto eiect a .slow boiling of the liquid therein. The steam .from 'the boiler is fthen [conducted to the interior of the steam :gen

eratorand `is superheated prior to discharge through a `port in theisole plate 4.communicating with the steam generator. When. :the :steam generator is moved out of .heat conduct ingrelation with the `sole plate, the reservoir is so spaced and insulated with respect to the sole plate that the .liquid thereinl may be heatedl to some extent, .but will not Ibe brought ytto ra Iboil. Accordingly, there 4will lbe no dis' charge to the steam outlet port. 'The iron also includes af pump-.unit `for pumping -or .forcing liquid from theare'se'r voir-.through afsuitable spray head or sprinkling nozzle 'at 3 the front end of the iron in the manner disclosed in my. copending application Serial No. 159,783.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, I do not employ a boiler type reservoir, but instead provide a reservoir adapted to be disposed exteriorly of the iron housing. The iron includes a spray or sprinkling discharge nozzle, conduit means connecting the nozzle and reservoir and a pump in the conduit means for pumping liquid from the reservoir to the nozzle. The iron includes a steam generator unit adapted to be selectively connectedl with the conduit means to receive liquid from the reservoir, preferably by gravity flow, so that drops ofliquid may be ashed into steam in the generator and discharged 'through the sole plate of the iron. Accordingly, the second embodiment of the invention may be referred to as a drip type unit. In this embodiment of the invention, the iron housing preferably serves as a steam chamber for accummulating the generated steam prior to discharge thereof through the sole plate of the iron. f

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, both embodiments of my invention provide advantages heretofore unattained in the art, particularly the advantage that a single iron may now comprise a dry iron, a sprinkling iron, a steam iron, or a combination steam and sprinkling iron.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with a manner of making and using the electric flat iron of the present invention, I shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention and the manner of making and using the same.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical, longitudinal, sectional view of one embodiment, a boiler type unit, of the iron of the present invention, the View showing the relationship of the components of the iron as disposed for steam ironing;

Figure 2 is a partial sectional view, similar to Figure l, showing the relationship of the components of the iron of Figure 1 as disposed for sprinkling or dry ironing;l

Figure 3 is a partial plan View of the forward end portion of the handle of the iron shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of a modification of the iron shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure l of a second embodiment, a drip type unit, of the iron of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the closure or control member of the iron shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the reservoir and the mounting therefor of the iron shown in Figure 5,

the view being taken substantially on line 7'-7 of Figure 5;

Figures 8 and 9 are fragmentary sectional views of al, ternative forms of valved accumulating means that may be associated with the pump in the Figure 5 embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a further embodiment, a boiler type unit, of the iron of the present invention.

Due to the similarity of the various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, the same will be described in conjunction with reference numerals having common digits and tens numerals for indication of like or similar parts, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3 being described in conjunction with reference numerals in the 100 series, the modification of the iron shown in Figure 4 being described in conjunction with reference numerals in the 200 series, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5 to 7 being described in conjunction with reference numerals in the 300 seriesand the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 being 4 described in conjunction with reference numerals in the 400 series.

Referring now to Figures l to 3, I have shown one embodiment of the iron of the present invention as including a sole plate 101, a housing 102 overlying the sole plate, and a handle 103 disposed above and connected to the housing for manipulating the iron. A conventional electric heating element 104 is embedded in the sole plate 101 so as to heat the same. Heating of the sole plate is controlled by means of a thermostat 105 disposed within a recess in the sole plate and including an operating element or control 106 extending to the exterior of the housing adjacent the handle for convenient adjustment by the user of the iron. The thermostat 105 and the heating element 104 are suitably connected in circuit with electric conductors disposed within the conventional electric cord or conduit 107 which extends from the rearward side of the iron.

The housing 102 of the iron is rested at spaced insulated point contacts 108 on the sole plate 101 of the iron so as to receive a limited amount of heat from the sole plate. The construction of the housing is such that the same rests upon the sole plate only at the insulated point contacts and the remainder of the housing is spaced from the sole plate. The housing 102 is provided with a bottom wall 109 spaced upwardly from the sole plate 101 and defining a chamber or reservoir within the housing 102. The reservoir 110 is adapted for the reception of water or other suitable liquid, as will become apparent as the description proceeds. Due to the insulated mounting of the housing with respect to the sole plate, and due to the spacing of the bottom wall 109 from the sole plate 101, the liquid within the reservoir 110 will normally receive only a limited amount of heat from the sole plate, the spacing of the bottom wall of the housing and the sole plate-provid ing a space for the passage of air to provide further insulation, or a cooling air stream, between the sole plate and the housing or reservoir.

The sole plate 101 and the bottom wall 109 of the housing'102 are provided with aligned apertures or bores and the sole plate 101 is provided with a counterbore 111 which is internally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded sole plate plug 112. The plug 112 is provided with an axlal bore 113 defining a steam discharge port. The flange provided on the sole plate by the counterbore 111 comprises a shoulder through which a plurality of connectors or fasteners 114 are adapted to extend to secure the housing 102 to the sole plate. A heat distributing ring 115 is disposed within the bore in the bottom wall 109 of the housing in spaced relation to the sole plate 101. Between the heat transmitting ring 115 and the sole plate, there is disposed an insulating ring 116 limiting the transmission of heat from the sole plate to the ring 115. The fasteners 114 are extended through the flange of the sole plate 101, passed through the insulating ring 116 and vthreaded into the heat transmitting ring 115 to connect the housing 102 to the sole plate 101 in insulated relationship. Due to the described association, the housing and sole plate are connected together by single fastening means, namely fasteners 114, which is located at substantially the center of gravity of the iron,v as is shown in Figure l, to minimize the stress to which the fastening means may be put during use of the iron and to maintain the housing and sole plate in tixed relation to one another.

The heat transmitting ring is internally threaded for the reception of an externally threaded heat transmitting head 117 of a steam generator unit including a stem 118 secured to the head 117. As willappear more fully hereinafter, the head 117 and the stem 118, together with the sole plate plug 112, comprise a steam generator, and the threaded connection of the head 117 with the ring 115 provides means whereby the head 117 may be moved into and out of heat'conducting engagement with the sole plate plug 112. The head 117 `facingsurface on the closure to and: the" stern` 1-'1'8 are providedwithV aligned' bores dening a* passage 119 for conducting steam from the interior' of the chamber 110 to the steaiir discharge" port '113 the plug 112; When the heat transmitting head 117 of the steam generator unit is moved' into yengagement with the plug 112, heat from the sole plate will be transmitted to the head 117, to the stem `its, to theheattrasrnitting ring 115 and to the water or other liquid in the' reservoir 110 -to bring the water to a boil, as'will bev described'in detailA hereinafter. n

At the top thereof, the housing 162 is provided with a tubular extension or lille'r tube 124` extending into a vertical bore 125 provided in the front legl126 of the handle 103, the tubular extension 124 beingdispbsed subs't'a'n-tially coaxially of the stem 11'8. As' shown, the `stern 118 extends a `substantial distance into theinterior of the filler-'tube 124, but is closed at its top so that the tube 124 may be utilized as'i the lfilling opeuing'for the liquid reservoir 110. At its upper end, the ller tube 124 is adaptedto be sealed by means of a removable closure element 127 including a ange 128 extending over and covering the'bore 125 in the front leg^126 of the handle 103. The body or plug portion ofthe closure 127 isg'provided with a tubular gasket or sealing element 129 encircling the plug portion ofthe closure and adapted to be titted in sealing relation inLthe upper end of the filler tube 124. The gasket` or sealing elementfis: adapted to accommodate rotation of the closure 127 and atthesame time to provide a seal between the closure` and' the filler tube. The closure 127 is `provided with .an axialbore adapted for the reception of the upper end `of) the `stem 1184. Inadditin, radial slots 131 are providedin the walls` of the closure k127, which slots comprise diametrically opposed bayonet slots adapted for the 'reception of the opposite ends of a pin 132 secured to and extending from 'opposite sides ofthe stem 118 transversely of the axis of the stem. As will be apparent, the slots 131 and the pin 132 provide a `connection between the stem 118` and the closure 12.7, so that the closure and stem, and the heat transmitting head 117, are adapted for conjoint rota-` tion, the connection accommodating relative axial movement between the stern and the closure. Upon rotation of `the closure, the stem 118 and the heat transmitting head 117 may be rotated into and y out of heat conducting engagement with the plug 112 and the sole plate 1101. The stem 118and the closure 127Mare normallybzirased away from one another by means of a-spring 133' disposed within the bore `in the 'closure and acting against theu'pper end of the stem, lThe spring 133 is suitably associated with'a carrier 134 including a rod 1135s1ida'bly extending through the closure to the exterior of the closure. Preferably the rofd 135 has ahead engageable'with Aan upwardly prevent disassociation of the vplug and thespring. Y

"To `condition the iron for steam ironing, it islmerely necessary Vfor the operator to 4rotate theclosure `127 in` 'the proper direction to` eifect threading nf the heat transmitting head 117 into and through the `heat transmitting ring 115 to bring the head 117 into engagementlwith the .pl-ug 112 and the sole plate 101,V Preferably, ythe head 117 and the plug 112 are provided with complement-ary valve type .slots and the same are ground or otherwise machined to provide for intirnateengagef ment between the two. When the head 117 and `plug 112 are in heat conducting relation, and the iron `is energized, heat will be transmitted from the sole plate through thejhead 117the stem 118 and the ring 115 to the `liquid within the reservoir 110. A The area of engagement ibetwe'en the head 117 and th'e plug 112 are suchas to transsuicient heat to the reservoir to eiecta slow'boiling of 'the water or other liquid within the'reservoir, 'but 'not torr'ansrrrit such heat as would result in rviolent boiling ofjt-he liquid -within the reservoir. Asthe liquidywithin the reservoir is boiled, vthe `steam hows upwardly iinto the fiiller `:tube 124 and then nows through a diametrical 6 bo're 1`19tz5i-njth'esteinllV into tliepassaige 119 defined withinl thel stern.- Asf will be appreciated, the stem l118 vand the' head 117 are heated to a high degree fromvthe 127 in such direction as to move the heat transmittingl head 117away from the sole plate plug 112, such as is shown iniFigure 2,10 provide an insulating clearance between the twomembers. When there is a disestablishment of the heat conducting relationship between the'he'ad 11'7 and thesole plate 101 of the iron, the heat transmitte'd from the sole plate to the reservoir is of such limited nature as will not result in" boiling of the liquid within the reservoir. Thus, steam'generation is discon'- tinued.

To efi'ectsprinlding'of liquid on materials to be iron'ed thereby, the liron is provided witha" nozzle, indicated generally at'138,disposed to the forward side of the iron' and directed forwardly of the iron to effect sprinkling of liquid on the material to be ironed immediately prior to the passage of the iron over that portion of the material.l The sprinkling nozzle 138 preferably includes an adjustable spray head 139 mounted in a ball 140 which isadjustably mounted within a socket 141 suitably secured 4to the'iiller tube 124, the ball 140 being adjustably retained within the socket member by means of a cap 142 adjustably' secured to the socket in a suitable manner. To provide communication between' the spray head 139 and the liquidin the-reservoir, a'vertical tube 147 is provided to` establishV communication between the interior of the socket member 141 and a point adjacent the bottom wall 1419v of the reservoir 110.

g To effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir through the: sprinkling nozzle 138, discharging means in the form, preferably of a manually operable pump, indicated generally at 148, is provided. While the pump 148 may take various forms', the same has'been shown in the embodiment lor the invention disclosed in Figure 1 asc'omprising an air pump including a tubular cylinder 149, a piston 150 reciprocablewithin the cylinder, a connecting rod 151 pivotally connected to the piston 150, an operat-v ing crank 152 pivotally connected to the rod 151 and an operating lever or handle 153 connected to the crank 152 and pivotallymounted-with respect to the handle103 by means of a pivot pin 154 journaled in a block 155 fitted within a recess provided in the upper portion of the handle 1.03 adjacent the front leg thereof. As will be anoarent the handle 153 is mounted for oscillation with respect lto the handle 103 and the handle 103 is providedwith a recess for reception of portions ofdie pump operating handle. The air pump 148 is provided in a conventional manner with an inlet val-ve in the -p'iston 150 thereof and with an outlet'valve 159 disposed atthe bottom of the cylinder 149 for controlling communication between the interior of the cylinder and the reservoir 110. Asl will be readily apparent, oscillation of the operating handle 153 with respect to the iron handle 103 willA effect reciprocation of the piston 150 within the cylinder 149. To render operation ofthe pump as convenient as possible, the piston 150 is normally biased in an upward direction by a spring confined between the piston and the top wall of the housing 192 normally to lmove the operating handle '153 in a downward direction so that the user of the iron need only move 'the operating handle 153 in an upward dir e'ction when eile'cting pumping. Operation of the pump 148, by means of the operating handle 153 an'd the spring 160, will effect pumping of air to the interior of the bonsing 102, that is to the chamber or reservoir 110. The chamber 110 is uid tight, all connections between the components of the housing, the bottom -wall and the ller tribe 'being sealed, and ythe gasket 129 providing a seal between the closure 127 vand the iiller tube 124. As Aair is pumped to the reservoir 110, a pressure head is created on top of the liquid within the reservoir, so that the liquid is forced upwardly through the tube 147 to the sprinkling nozzle 138. The spray head 139 is so constructed as to direct the liquid downwardly and forwardly in front of the iron to wet or dampen the material to be ironed. The spray head is preferably adjusted to dampen an area at least equal to the width of the sole plate of the iron and immediately forward of the iron in the normal path of movement thereof over the material to be ironed.

In irons for household use, it is preferred that the iron be operated at relatively low pressures so as to reduce to the greatest extent possible any danger or hazard. Accordingly, the iron is so constructed and arranged that steaming is carried out at relatively low pressures and that sprinkling also is carried out at relatively low pressures, but at pressures above steaming pressure. As pointed out hereinbefore, it is one object of the present invention to provide an iron that is adapted for either steam ironing or for sprinkling or damp ironing. To this end, it is preferable to provide means for preventing sprinkling during steaming, and for preventing steaming during sprinkling. As has been pointed out hereinbefore, the closure 127 provides moans establishing control over steaming operations. Accordingly, it is preferable to incorporate all control functions in a single member, that is, the closure. To this end, the flange 12S of the closure is of such radial extent as to overlie the connecting rod 151 of the air pump to retain the piston 150 of the pump in its downward-most position against the urge of the spring 160. Thus, as is shown in Figure l, when the closure 127 is rotated to effect engagement between the steam generator head 117 and the sole plate plug 112, the flange 128 of the closure 127 overlies the connecting rod 151 to render the pump 15) incapable of operation. When it is desired to effect sprinkling, it is necessary that the pump be operable, and it is normally preferred that steaming be discontinued. To eliiect the desired control, the flange 128 of the closure 127 is provided at one portion thereof with a cutout or slot 170 adapted to accommodate reciprocation of the pump connecting rod 151. The slot 170 is so located in the flange 128 of the closure that the stern 118 and head 117 are disposed in spaced relation to the sole plate plug 112 when the slot 170 is aligned with and accommodates movement of the pump connecting rod 151, as is shown in Figure 2, 'wherein the head 117 is spaced from the plug 112 so that very little heat is transmitted to the liquid in the reservoir 111i. While the liquid in the reservoir may be heated to a certain extent from the sole plate of the iron, the amount of heat transmitted to the liquid is not suicient to bring the liquid to a boil. In this position, the iron may be utilized either for dry ironing or for sprinkling or damp ironing, depending upon whether or not the air pump 14S is actuated. If the user of the iron desires to sprinkle the material to be ironed, it is merely necessary to effect a squeezing action on the handle 103 of the iron and the operating handle 153 of the discharging means or pump to effect a down stroke of the piston 150. As the piston 150 moves downwardly, the air conned between the piston and the outlet valve 159 is com pressed and is discharged through the valve 159 into the interior of the reservoir. Upon release of the handle 153, the piston 150 is moved upwardly by the spring 160 to accommodate entry of air to the space between the piston and the outlet valve. Then, upon the next squeezing actionof the handles 103 and 153, more air is introduced to the interior of the reservoir. As operation of the pump 148 is continued, sufficient air pressure is built on the liquid in the reservoir 110 to force the liquid outwardly through the tube 147 and to discharge the liquid through the spray nozzle 13S. As will be appreciated, continued operation of the handle 153 will eiect continued operation of the sprinkling of liquid.

When it is desired to discontinue sprinkling and to engage in dry ironing, it is merely necessary for the operator to discontinue operation of the handle 153. If it is desired then to effect steam ironing, it is merely necessary for the operator to elevate the handle 153, rotate the closure 127 to thread the heat transmitting head 117 of the steam generator downwardly into engagement with the sole plate plug 112. When the head 117 engages the plug 112, the closure 127 will be retained against further rotation so that the operator will be aware that the iron is in condition for steam ironing. At that time, the handle 153 may be released. However, when the handle is released, the upper end of the connecting rod 151 will engage a portion of the ange 12S of the closure over lying the same so that the pump 148 is rendered inoperative. Thus, steam ironing may bc indulged in without danger of accidental actuation of the pump operating handle 1,53 and steam ironing will be carried out at a low pressure. The steam pressure is insuicient to effect discharge of liquid in the reservoir through the tube 147 and the spray nozzle 138. The upper end of the connecting rod preferably is adapted for cooperation with the flange of the closure to prevent accidental rotation of the closure from steaming position. Also, the iron is not normally capable of steam ironing when the operator is desirous of sprinkling, for vthe reason that the connecting rod 151 extends into the slot 17) in the flange 128 of the closure 127 to prevent accidental rotation of the closure. Thus, the pump structure and closure provide a control means interlock, it being necessary to move the pump handle 153 to full up position to accommodate rotation of the closure.

As is clearly shown in Figure 3, the closure 127 is adapted to be rotated in one direction, as is indicated by appropriate lettering and an arrow on the ange of the closure, to a steaming position. Rotation of the closure 127 in the opposite direction, as is indicated by suitable lettering and an arrow, will render the iron capable of sprinkling or damp ironing, or dry ironing as desired. Preferably, suitable mechanical stop means are provided between the closure 127 and the filler tube 124 to define a limit stop for rotation of the closure in the direction to render the iron capable of sprinkling. Similar stop means may suitably be employed for stopping rotation of the closure in the opposite direction, although such stop means is not actually required due to the physical engagement between the heat transmitting head 117 and the plug 112.

As has been pointed out hereiubefore, there may be certain instances wherein it is desirable to have an iron that is capable of sprinkling and steaming at the same time. To provide an iron capable of such functions, it is merely necessary to redesign the closure 127 to a very slight extent. For example, an indicia could be provided on the handle 103 of the iron adjacent the closure 127 and a plurality of indicia could be provided on the top of the closure. Such indicia could conveniently cornprise dots, with the dots on the closure being adapted to be brought into alignment with the dot on the handle to provide an indication of the type of ironing to be employed. For sprinkling, the angc 128 of the closure 127 would be provided with a slot and a dot immediately adjacent the slot adapted to be aligned with the dot on the handle to effect alignment of the slot and the connecting rod 151 of the pump, whereby sprinkling could be effected. For steaming and sprinkling, a second slot could v be provided in the llange, say at a point diametrically opposite the slot 170, and a second dot could be provided on the closure adjacent the second slot whereby an indication would be provided for effecting steaming and sprinkling simultaneously. In the position of both sprinkling and steaming, the heat transmitting head 117 would be brought into .firm engagement with or would be disposed immediately adjacent but slightly spaced from the plug 112, the spacing being insufficient for adequate insulation between the two members, so that the head 117, the stem 118 and the heat transmitting ring 1'1 heat distributing ring 315 and the sole plate plug 312, the fasteners 314 passing through the insulator ring 316.

The heat distributing ring 315 is provided with an internal screw thread adapted for the adjustable reception of a heat transmitting head 317 of a steam generator. The steam generator, in addition to the head 317, includes a stem 318 secured to the head 317. The head 317 and stern 318 of the steam generator are provided with aligned bores 319 dening a passageway, the purpose of which will be described immediately hercnafter. As shown, the discharge ports 313 and the hollow fasteners 314 are disposed radially outwardly from the heat transmitting head 317 of the steam generator and do not cornmunicate directly with the passageway 319 in the steam generator element, but communicate directly with the steam accumulating chamber 310. To establish communication between the chamber 310 and the passageway 319 through the steam generator elements, the heat transmitting head 317 is provided with longitudinal bores 320 establishing communication between the opposite sides thereof. The heat transmitting head 317 and the sole plate plug 312 define a chamber therebetween comprising a ash evaporation chamber as will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds. As will be appreciated, the passageway 319 and the steam generator elements 317 and 313 define an inlet to the ash evaporation chamber and the bores 320 in the head 317 dene an outlet from the ash evaporation chamber to the steam accumulating chamber 310 in the housing 302.

The housing 302 includes a tubular vertical extension 324 extending into a vertical bore 325 provided in the front leg 326 of the handle 303. The tubular extension 324 is adapted to be closed at the upper end thereof by means of a closure element 327 having a radial flange 328 overlying and covering the vertical bore in the front ieg of the handle. To provide a suitable seal between the closure and the tubular extension 324, a gasket or sealing element 329 is suitably positioned on the body portion of the closure 327. As in the embodiment of the invention previously described, the closure 327 is adapted to comprise the control element for the iron and, to this end, is provided with an axial bore adapted for the reception of the upper end of the stem 318, the stem 318 and closure 327 being connected for conjoint rotational movement and for relative axial or longitudinal movement by the provision of bayonet slots 331 in the bore of the closure 327 and the provision of a diametrical pin 332 on the stem 318. A spring 333 is provided between the stem 318 and the closure 327 normally to bias the two away from one another. In Figure 5 embodiment of the present invention, the tubular extension 324 of the housing 302 is adapted to comprise one element of a iluid distributing valve structure including a cylindrical plug valve or distributing member 334 lixed to the stem 318 by means of a pin 335 and rotatably mounted within the tubular extension 324 for cooperation with the same to provide a valving action to be described hereinafter. The valve member 334 is provided with a pair of circumferential grooves 336 and a radial port 337 establishing communication between the lower one of the two grooves 336 and the passageway 319 provided in the stern 318 of the steam generator.

The sprinkling apparatus of the present embodiment of the invention includes a nozzle, indicated generally at 338, comprising an adjustable spray head 339 mounted on a ball 340 which is mounted in a socket member 341 and adjustably secured within the socket 341 by means of a cap 342. The socket member 341 is provided with a bore communicating with one side of the ball 340 and with a port or bore 344 provided in the tubular extension 324. The distributing means or plug valve 334 is vertically adjustable within the tubular extension 324 to establish communication between the upper of the two grooves 336 and the bore 344 and spray nozzle 338.

For effecting sprinkling of liquid,I the iron is provided with discharging means preferably in the form of a manually operable pump, indicated generally at 348, including a cylinder 349, a piston 350 reciprocable within the cylinder 349, a connecting rod 351 pivotally connected to the piston 350, a crank 352 pivotally connected to the connecting rod 351 and an operating lever or handle 353 connected to the free end of the crank 352. The operating handle 353 and the crank 352 are pivotally mounted with respect to the handle 303 by means of a pivot pin 354 mounted in a block 355 which is positioned within a recess provided in the handle 303. The piston 350 of the pump 348 is solid and is adapted upon reciprocation to draw liquid into and discharge liquid from the space below the piston through a suitable port provided in the bottom wall of the cylinder member, which port establishes communication between the cylinder 349 and a uid passage or tube 357. At the opposite ends thereof, the fluid passage tube 357 is provided with a back-pressure actuated inlet valve 358 and a back-pressure actuated outlet valve 359. The distributing means or valve member 334 is adapted to be adjusted within the tubular extension 324 to establish communication between the outlet valve 359 of the fluid passage 357 and the lower groove 336. The discharging means or pump 348 of the present embodiment of the invention is operable in the same manner as the pump of the embodiment of the invention previously described. That is, the operating handle 353 is adapted to be moved upwardly into a suitable recess provided in the handle 303 of the iron and a spring 360 is provided between the bottom wall of the cylinder 349 and the piston 350 to return the piston 350 and the handle 353 after the actuating stroke thereof.

The inlet valve 358 of the fluid passage 357 communicates with an inlet tube 361 extending along the upper wall of the housing 302 and terminating at the rearward end of the handle 303 in a valve connector head 362. The valve connector head 362 and the inlet tube 361 are adapted to communicate with the interior of a liquid reservoir 363 adapted to be mounted on the rearward portions of the iron and including a valve 364 adapted for operative association with the valve connector 362. The reservoir 363 is generally of U-shape in plan and is adapted to t about the rearward portions of the handle 303. The reservoir 363 is provided with a base 365 adapted to be rested upon a support 366 formed on the rearward portions of the iron and the reservoir is adapted to be connected to the iron by means of a cooperating dove tail structure 367 provided between the base 365 and the support 366. In use, the reservoir 363 is adapted to be associated with and disassociated from the iron by sliding the same onto and off of the dove tail support 366 provided on the iron. To this end, the valve connector head 362 and the valve 364 are adapted for sliding cooperation in a known manner to establish and disestablish communication between the head 362 and tube 361 and the interior of the reservoir 363. As associated, inlet tube 361 and iluid passage 357 comprise conduit means accommodating ow of liquid from the reservoir to the distributing means 334. During such flow the passage 357 accumulates liquid therein and in conjunction with its valves 358 and 359 comprises a novel liquid accumulating means associated with the discharging means or pump 348. The reservoir 363 is provided in the top wall thereof with a suitable filler opening 368 by means of which liquid may be introduced into the interior of the reservoir.

Briefly stated, in operation of the iron shown in Figures 5 to 7, the valve 334 is movable to establish communication between the outlet 359 of the liquid passage 357 and the ash evaporation chamber defined between the sole plate plug 312 and the head 317 of the steaml generator, or the spray nozzle 338. The pump 348 is operable under the control of the user of the iron to effect sprinkling and the back-pressure valves 358 and 359 of thei liquid passagetnbe 357 are adapted toielectpressure delivery; of liquid whenthepump348fis` operated,x or: to aecommodatezgravity'ow ot'liquid-from `the reservoir when thepump` is not operated.

To'eieetzsprinkling operation only, theclosurez327 is rotated in the appropriate direction to bring' the upper groove 336 in the valve 334 into communication` with thevhore344provided in the wall of the' tubular extension 324' to establish communication between thespraynoule 338: and the upper groove 336. During such rotation, portions of the lower circumferential. groove 336 are maintained in communication with the outlet 359, the twnigrooves 336 are interconnected' andV theport 337 is disposed.. out of communication with the outlet` 359, so .asa'to establish communication. between the' outlet valve 359,'. bothfgrooves 336 the bore344and` the spray nozzle 338; This is accomplished by means `ofv plug valve 334 liavinglandswithin the grooves. 336 to seal portionsof the: grooves' from one another. Specifically,` the lower groovea` 336 `includesat least twol circumferentially spaced lands. to establish one `groove portion communicating withztheport 337, and another grooveportionsealed .from thefportv 337 and communicating by means of af longitudinal. recess in.v the surface of the plug, for example, with the upper groove 336, all asisiknown in the art and', .therefore,.notz specifically shown herein. Then, upon aotuationof the. operating handle 353 ofthe pump inthe manner. described, liquid will be drawnfrom the reservoin363through the valve members `362l and 364, through thefinlettube 361, through the4 inletvalve 358, andzdischarged through the outlet valve 359, the lower` groove g-.theupper groove 336, the bore 344 in thetubular extension324 andthe spray-nozzler338. As the pump isoperated on the intake. stroke, theback-pressure, that iaftheftendency` ofthe piston 352 to drawv'liquidlfromthe outletv side; of; the valve 359 will eiect seating of@ the outlet valve 359 so that water is drawn throughxtherinlet valve 358tfrom the reservoir 363. n the down or discharge stroke of the-piston 350, theztendencyof thepump to.` discharge water through the. inlet7 valve' 358. effects seating of 'the back-pressure actuated valve to4 seal the inletwhereby water maybe discharged through therout.- let valve 359 tov the spray nozzle 338vfor sprinkling the materialimmediately in advance of the iron. Aszwillabe appreciated, continued actuation of the operating handle 353` of-.the pump 348 willeect continued discharge of liquid through the sprinkling nozzle 338. .In such. position of the valve member 334, the heat transmitting .fhead 31T oflthe' steam generator is moved' upwardly away fromlthesole'plate plugs 312 so that only averylimited amount of heat is transmitted to the valvel 334. The amountefheat'transmitted to the valvemay-be sucient to efect av slight heating of thei liquid. passing through thefvalve but will not be suflicient togenerate steamduringpassage of the liquid from' thepump 348 to:-the.;sprinkling nozzle 338.

To, effectA steaming, the closure 327 is. rotated in such direction; as to move the heat transmitting head317 of the steam; generator downwardly into engagement with thezupper.V portion ofA the cup-shaped. sole p1ate'p1ug312 ofir the iron to engage the plug in heat conducting'relation and yet to be spaced fromthe upper surface. of the central portion of the plug to define a chamber between theheadand the plug, as is shown in FigureS. Atthis time, the pump 348 is rendered inoperative, `in a manner tobedescribed, and the valves 358and 3591 both auto matically assume an open position so thatliquid .from thereservoir 363 may gravitate through theinlet361, the liquid passage tube 357 and to the plug valve 334. 'Io etect this gravitational ow, it ispreferable' that .the inlet tube 361` be inclined slightly to the horizontalin a. downwardly direction from the reservoir 363 to the valve4 334. When the head 317 of the steam generator is. adjustedt. in the. manner stated, the port 3.37 in the valve 334 is brought into communicationl with the outlet 359iothe-liquidfpassagetube357; so that' 1iquid-gravitat `ing from. the.. reservoir. '363-.hows in. drops through the passageway- 319 ina the steam. generator: elements. and into the Hash.y evaporation; chamber defined between the head 317 oir thersteamv generator: and theupper. surface of the sole plate'plug 312.'. Asrdrops.-- of water'v engage the sole plate: plug 312,; the.` same are immediately vaporized and the vapor` owsV upwardlythrough; the-bores 320 into the steam accumulating chamber 310dened by.- the housing 302. When-.suliicient steam. is accumulated within the chamber 310, thef. steam tiows` outwardly through., the hollow fastener-S3145 and. through thel steam `discharge ports3-13 in the sole' plate plug 312`v to eiect steaming; of` the material@ being ironed.. During normal steaming operations;` the uppercircumferential groove 336fis moved out of communication with thebore 344 in: the tubular extension S24-so as1topreventdischarge oftliquidfor steamthrough the'esprinlcling" nozzle 338. As will' be appreciated` from' the foregoing, theiron` when adjusted for steam ironing providesdripffeedto-thestearn generator4 to.` providei-for relatively .slow generation of steam wherebyY needless heatingand waste ofliquidare avoided:

The' valve member 334,-. the tubev 324;. thel grooves 336 and the port 337 f are constructed in a conventional manner to accornplishithefcontrol.4 functions stated. Also, as pointed` outa hereinbeform, it mayf be desirablev under `certaincircumstances tofeffectfl a: simultaneous.` sprinkling andtsteaming of. materials to be: ironed. To this end,

the valve'cmemben334r-mayfbe .further ported andgrooved to.; establish communication.I between the port 337v and the: outlet Avalve: 35.9 and between. the-upper groove. 336 and. the spraynozzle-338su asfto accomodate: simultaneous' .liquid feed to the-steamigeneratorandthe nozzle.

.As in the embodirnentrof theinventionpreviously de.- scribed, the closure 327 comprises thefcontrol for. deter.- mining the; type of ironing for'whichthe ironv will'be adapted. For this. purpose, the. closure 327` isl provided with: suitable instructionsror. indicia:y to establish and in.-

-dicateto the user` the manner. in" which 1 the ironv isi con,-

trolled4 andffthefpositions atA which' various controls. -are` eected. In the normal steamingr operation, it isepre.- ferred' thatt the sprinkling pump 4348.' be; rendered .inoperative,. and to. thist end` thezilange 328 -of the closure 327 is.=ada.ptedy toloverlie the :connecting Y.rod y351- ofl the pump to prevent actuation ofithesame. Toaccomplishactuation of-.thepump'348-for sprinkling operations, ,the ange 328. of:- the. closure. 327-'v is provided withva .radial slot-.370 adapted'to accommodate passage Yof thev connectingy rod 351 of the pump, 348 when the closurei327 isiadjusted to; sprinkling,k orsprayingg position. Inv irons wheref it .is desirable to provide. for. simultaneoussprayingand steaming, the.closure.327 istprovidedwith asecond-slot, similar to the slot 370, as has been described hereinbefore-with respect, to the` embodiment of. the-.invention shown. in Eiguresrlito 3..

' While. reference; has' yheen madehereinbefore.- merely to back. pressure.actuated valves,..it isv to `benoted that the back pressure actuated inletand outlet valves 358 and 359 may be-of. any well known construction, such, fem-example, as chamber members. dening a valve seat tolthe.inletyside-.thereof anda ball orthe-.like positioned loosely withinzthe-chamber, and adapted to havesealing engagement with `the seat.to.the=inletside ofthe chamber member when back pressureislexertedzon the ball.

,Asfwill be. appreciated` from `the foregoing,` the present invention-.is capable=of..several embodiments, suchas the-boiler typeanddrip type irons described hereinbefore. As will beffurther appreciatedthe two described embodimentsaof the. invention are capable of. further modification and change without departingfromlhescope ozthe presentinvention'. .y A.further embodiment of .theboiler type steam yiron-of thepresentinv'entionisshownin. Figure 8, which ernbodiment includes va. sole plate`401 a-lio`using402over lying the sole plate 401, and a handle 403 disposed above Athe housing 402 and adapted for manipulation of the iron. A conventional electric heating element 404 is embedded in the sole plate 401 and a thermostat 405, disposed within a recess in the sole plate 401, is suitably connected in circuit with the heating element 404. The thermostat 40S is under the control of a manual actuating member 406 disposed to the top of the housing 402 and the heating element 404 and thermostat 405 are suitably energized from a power source through a. suitable electrical conduit or cord 407. The housing 402 is rested upon the sole plate 401 on spaced insulated contact points 408 to insulate the housing from the sole plate. The housing 402 includes a bottom wall 409 disposed in spaced parallel relation to the top side of the sole plate so that the housing 402 defines a chamber or reservoir 410 spaced and insulated from the sole plate 401.

The sole plate 401 and the bottom wall 409 of the chamber 402 are provided with aligned bores and the sole plate is provided with a counterbore 411 adapted for the reception of a sole plate plug 412 provided with a steam discharge outlet 413. The flange defined between the bore and counterbore in the sole plate 401 comprises a shoulder adapted for the passage therethrough of a plurality of fasteners 414 adapted to be connected to a heat transmitting ring 415 suitably secured to the bottom wall 409 of the housing 402 so as to secure the housing 402 to the sole plate. These fasteners constitute the sole fastening means for connecting the sole plate and the housing and are located substantially at the center of gravity of the iron to assure firm connection of the sole plate and the housing. To insulate the heat distributing ring 415 from the sole plate of the iron, an insulator ring 416 is disposed between the sole plate and the heat transmitting ring, the fasteners 414 passing through the insulator ring.

To effect steam ironing, the iron is provided with a steam generator including a heat transmitting head 417 and a tubular stem 418 suitably secured to the head 417 and having threaded adjustable connection with the heat transmitting ring 415. The heat transmitting head 417 is provided with a bore therethrough adapted for the reception of a tube 421 extending into the stern 418, the tube defining a steam discharge passageway from the interior of the stern 418 to the steam discharge port 413 provided in the sole plate plug 412. The upper end of the steam generator stem 418 is closed by means of a plug 422 provided with atube 423 establishing, in conjunction with radial bores or the like (not visible in Figure 8), communication between the interior of the steam generator and the interior of the tube 424, thus to establish communication between the reservoir and the steam generator for the passage of steam generated in the reservoir.

The housing 402 includes a vertical tubular extension 424 extending into a vertical bore 425 provided in the front leg 426 of the handle 403. The filler tube 424 is necked down at the upper end thereof to provide a detent for releasably securing a closure 427 within the upper end of the filler tube to seal the tube and the reservoir 410. The closure 427 is provided with a radially extending flange 428 overlying the bore 425 provided in the front leg 426 of the handle. The closure 427 also includes a vertically extending tube 430 which is slotted at the lower end thereof for the reception of a diametrical pin 432 provided on the closure member for the steam generator tube 418 whereby the closure 427 and tube 418 are connected for conjoint rotational movement and relative axial movement to effect vertical movement of the steam generator with respect to the sole plate of the iron.

The sprinkling apparatus of the iron disclosed in Figure 8 comprises a spray nozzle, indicated generally at 438, including an adjustable spray head 439 mounted on a ball 440 which is adjustably mounted within a socket 15 member 441, the ball 440 being secured within the socket member 441 by means of a cap member 442. A vertical tube 447 extending to adjacent the bottom of the reservoir 410 communicates with the spray head 439 to establish communication between the spray nozzle and the liquid reservoir.

The iron is provided with liquid discharging means comprising a pump 448 which in the present embodiment is an air pump, as has been referred to hereinbefore with respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures l to 3. The air pump includes a tubular cylinder 449, a piston 450 reciprocable within the cylinder 449, a connecting rod 451 pivotally connected to the piston 450, a crank 452 pivotally connected to the connecting rod 451, and an operating lever or handle 453 connected to the crank 451. The handle or lever 453 is pivotally mounted in the handle 403 of the iron by means of a suitable pivot pin 454, the handle 453 being oscillatable into and out of a suitable recess provided in the handle 403 of the iron. The connecting rod 451 of the pump 448 is provided with an upwardly extending vertical projection 456 adapted to cooperate with the flange 428 of the closure in much the same manner as has been described hereinbefore with respect to the other embodiments of the invention.

The piston 450 of the pump 44S is provided with a conventional air inlet valve and a suitable air outlet valve 459 is provided in the top wall of the housing 402 to control the pumping of air to the interior of the reservoir 410. As in the embodiments of the invention previously described, the pump 448 preferably includes a spring 460 to provide for automatic return of the piston 450 so that the operator need actuate the handle 453 in one direction only. To accommodate actuation of the pump 448, the flange 428 of the closure 427 is preferably provided with a radial slot 470 for the purposes described hereinbefore.

As shown in Figure 8, the iron has been set to effect simultaneous steam and sprinkling ironing. That is, the slot 470 in the closure 427 is disposed in alignment with the extension 456 of the connecting rod 451 of the pump, so that the pump is capable of actuation at the will of the operator. Also, the closure 427 has been so adjusted as to bring the head 41/ of the steam generator into engagement with the sole plate plug 412 so that heat will be transmitted from the sole plate to the liquid within the reservoir to effect a low boiling of the water or liquid in the reservoir. As the liquid within the reservoir boils, the steam passes upwardly into the filler tube 424 and through the tube 423 into the interior of the stem 418 of the steam generator. Within the interior of the stem 418, the steam is superheated and any moisture therein collects on the top of the head 417 for conversion to dry steam. The tube 421 is provided with a reverse bend therein so that the free open end thereof is directed downwardly whereby only dry steam will flow into the tube 421 for discharge through the steam port 413 in the sole plate plug 412. The manipulation of the closure 427 to effect the controls of dry ironing, sprinkling ironing alone or steam ironing alone will be apparent from the foregoing description of other embodiments of the invention.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides an improved iron capable of use, at the will of the operator, for dry ironing, sprinkling ironing, steam ironing, or sprinkling and steam ironing simultaneously. The advantages of a single iron for accomplishing all types of ironing will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In addition, it is to be pointed out that the iron may be used for dry ironing even though the reservoir thereof is full of liquid, the iron may be used for sprinkling ironing without the creation of steam, which normally is disadvantageous to sprinkling ironing, and the iron is capable of use as a conventional steam iron with all the advantages and features provided in the @unteren there are'many advantagesnrdirectlyappiynga'deodoriz= 'ingfdisinfecting "or 'mercerizing'tagent Accordingly, it willbfapprec'iatefd that the irontofth'e' present" invention sadapted for the sprinkling orlste'aming civaicrus fabrics with various .types idf Aliquids. As "has Vbe'en,a brou'glrtout more l1fullyf'fn "myPatent'fNo 261f5g265, "ih'eiren 'ofthe jpl'es" invention does not' "require distilled Water in the Suse A"thereof,f'orlnary tap water beingentirely adequate for tire Niron'2111"e'tothe super-'Cheater feature provided "by the'steam generator structure. ji/tccnrdin'glyjtnere vis 'no disadvantage "in Ausir'rgv *other special liquid agents *in the reservoir of the iron, aswouldfbfefocca'sionedwithicon? ventinnar'steamirons.

Inhe eonstruc'tio'n'ofthe"steamygeneratorof. thejpres'ent invention, the thicknessof' section' and size o'fthevaious elementsE is` suchu as to absoibsuflrcientheat' to' `super-heat anidry* the-'saturated or 'wet stearnoriginally"evaporated: ihar-isgwall thickness .andlheaf 'storage characteristics are 'such' as'te bejinjproper*relationshipfforhe quantity of moistttre removable 'from LIthe saturated "steam during the passage 'fthe"'saturatedsteam through the 'ducts f'ilie Steamijgenerator. "Toassi'st'inproper Vdrying arid super- `heating o'ffthe T saturated steam, "the passages, bores =or xduets '.inihe steam. generator ma'ybe drilled' off "different diameters toaaccommo'date Areduction in Vthe spee'd'o'f the passing Saturated steam. 'Th'ejprovision of .bores of vari# ous-diameters createspockets for'thefbreaking'up f water particles more'effectively than 'would tbev accomplished i in a^chainber wherein no obstacle'to steam passage 'were provided;

l'Bhe vl'intelockii'lg features provided by .'the cotrl elosure an'd, pump` provide forloking thelpumpf against oper'tiorrwhenthe iron is'in steaming posit'ionto, provide a safety fa'ctorjpreventingj'the addition of air,1 pressurefto ftbe'low steampressureby mistake. 'Flurtherrno're,.fthe structure. vis such as toA prevent accidental rotation. of ."the control losure. -In operation,'the (pump operating'haridle must be elevated'intoits recess in vthe handlefthefiron before -the closure canberotated. Inadditioninflt'he embodiments f'the invention. shown.inFiguresjlf103,54 a11d 8,."the losure comprises. a removable elosurefffor'...the iiller opening. of! the"`uid reservoir. I-n. all. embodiments of -the' inveritiom:V the. control. elosure accommodatesvaccess 'to andrrepair off'the valve.andsteam.,generatoreom ponents.

.Alsogin the embodiment of. the invention...shown :in

FiguresS to"7,y .an improvedfdrip type iron, construction is"dis'closed whereby evenhar'd waterr containin'gifbreign substances, suenaslime `and iron, 4may-be usednn the iron without `the possibility of theiron becoming clogged by the residue resulting. .from boilingof-.theuwaten iTo this exid,` the, particular embodiment of` .theinvent-ionprovides a Vchamber'jfor `accumulating `super-heated@steam whereby the sup'elheated' steam may attain ther-.pressure necessary to, penetrate materials toi beironedandwhereby the'supeheted steam mayl be Vslightly.coeledirand.further dried. before .use.

In all embodiments of Jthel .-invention, fthe-e` steami generatonunit-zis disposed :in 'vertical alignmentrwith'theuubular -verticalnextension :of :.theiron housing 'so :itl-rat? the steam generator: (andvvalveytmaytiberremovdffin ae'onvenient 1'mannerifromrthefliron for: eleailingffand repair, wherebyftheiironfis part'i'eula'rlyf*adaptediforemifitenarcev 4byrxlrefriser. i'Fu'thermere, Iiii-'2inembodimentsrabe invention, all

controls and actuating elements of th'e'ironV arefdisposed ornroun'tetl in Ithe ironhan'dle'so that all scontrsan'd l'operations may be readily f eiiected vby the Fhanif''thetuser employed for manipulating -the'iron. ATurtherifeature of the invention 'resides inthe'connectionbfithehousingfandsole plate of'the'iron'at the center cdijgravityciftheiron.

WhiieI have Hescribed'what I'regard tobe preferred tenibosdirnentsj'of my-invention, it'will be appreciated that iv'ai'iofusl changes, rearrangements `and 'modications lmay be'inad'e'therein'-without'departing from thescope'of the invention, as defined "by the appended' claims.

Felaim: i "1. I1"aatiron?having'anelectrcally heated solejplate, .afhousingfinsulatedwith respect'to the solet plate, 'and a Vl'landieg'the 'combination' of a liquidcreservo'ir in ftheihousii118, 'Spraying ime'ans 'for discharging liquid -ifrom :said reservoir 'forwardly of the "housing, dischargingY lmeans underfthe cnntrlbfltheiron user'forforcng liquiffrom isadlres'ervoiro'saidspraying means, steam generating *meansmrova'ly'mounted in-said reservoirfor movement into-and out of heat transmitting engagement with '.lthe 's1ejplate',.saidsteamgenerating meansbeing adapted to 'transmit ailim'ited ramount of'heat from the soleplate tothelijquidin said reservoir'to Vgenerate steam,. steam Hisha'rge means communicatingwith said steam,generat .ing means,'meansfor moving said steam generating means, aridmeans for locking said discharging means.

In a atironhaving an electricallyiheatedsoleplate,

a ihou'sing Ainsulated with respect. to the solep1ate,.and.a han'dle,"'the combination Aof 4.a'j liquid reservoriinlthehousing,j means yfor. conduciing ai lirnitedI amountofheat `from the solevgfglate to' theligid in said. reservoirrto vevaporate `the '.l1 quid, means for .shifting .thesaid heat.conducting means fintoan'd outofheatl conducting relation willige- .;sp'ecftothe sole.t plate, means for lockingfsaidlheatconducting means `n adjusted. position, spraying. means., for kiishargingf the, liquid i in said reservoiriorwardly .of:.the housing, and discharging vmeans under control.l of. the, iron user'for forcing liquid lfrom said reservoin.tosaidspraying means. l

r3."Inja`iat iron, the combinationL as, set forthzinnclaim lr'includinga liller.tube..extending.upwardly from said reservoir, a closure` for said tube,` and..means.establishigg operative connection between .said..closure..and:,saiddieat eoriducting means and between.. said .closureiandsaidsdscharging means, saidA closure beingv sealed with. respect: to s'aid'tbe and rotatable'in said tube tocontrol operatiomof said. discharging means :andssaid .,heattconductnglmeans vshiftingmeans.

In a"`at iron, the combination .as .setsforthijn claim v2,in :llf1"c'iing a, tube associated with said.. housing.. andava closure for said tube, said closure being.nzaera'tively,iasso` ciated with said' heat yconducting means andrsaid discharging means and renderingsaid dischargingmeansi Voperative'when saidV heat conducting meansis disposed. inheat conducting relation with respect toithetsolerplate.

5."'Inaat iron, the combinationiasset fonthaimclaim .2,iinclu'ding a tubeA associated with.the housingran'dwfa closurefffor said tube,A saidV closure being. operatively; assoeiated'with said""he'at conducting ,means andwithrsaiddisha'rging means and 'renderingsaid heat conductingmeans inoperative: when'fsaid discharging means Vis operative. y f'iniai'at' iron,v the 'combination' as 'set'fo'rth in.elaim 1;"saimsteamagenerating:means includingmeansifor superheatingsandairying' the steam generated?v in =said'"rese"rvoir when saidrsteamgenerating means isl in? heat transmitting engagement swithethevsole fplate, rar iller'tube communicatwith.:saidi reservoir, fand a.:closure forsY .saidi tube, said closure ...being detachably and operatively?associatedf'wth saidi4 steamigenerating f means for moving .the f'sameffinto and out..of..heat. transmitting. engagement withi'theif'sole plate, said 'closure having..,diali-meansfgthereonfiandgbeing removable lfrom said tube.

'"iln' .a"at..iron, 'the combination.assetY forthein-clam Ifsaid Vsteam generating means including a stem having bore therethrough and heat transmitting means on the lower end of said stem, said heat transmitting means being movable into and out of heat transmitting engagement with the sole plate, said heat transmitting means and said stem defining means for superheating and drying steam generated in said reservoir, a tiller tube for said reservoir, and closure and dialing means for said tube operatively and detachably associated with the upper end of said stem.

8. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said heat conducting means includes a heat transmitter ring and a heat transmitting member mounted in said ring, said heat transmitter ring being secured to said reservoir, insulating means between said heat transmitter ring and the sole plate, fastening means for connecting said heat transmitter ring to the sole plate in insulated relationship, said heat transmitter ring .being threaded, said heat transmitting member threaded in said ring for adjustment with respect to said ring and the sole plate, sai-d heat conducting means including steam passageway dening means directly connected to said heat transmitting member.

9. In a dat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 2, said reservoir comprising a portio-n of the housing, the housing and said reservoir being insulated with respect to the sole plate, the sole plate being spaced from the housing and said reservoir to define an air space therebetweenfor the circulation of a cooling air stream, and means for securing the housing and said reservoir to the sole plate, said last-named means including fasteners disposed adjacent the center of gravity of the iron and operatively asociated with said heat conducting means.

10. In a at iron, the combination as set forth in claim 1, said discharging means comprising hand operated pump means including an operating lever movably mounted in a recess in the handle, said operating lever being adapted for actuation by the guiding hand of the iron user, said pump means including a cylinder mounted in the handle, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder, and connecting rod means establishing operative connection between said operating lever and said piston.

1l. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim l, including a filler tube for said reservoir, a closure for said tube, said closure being operatively associated with sai-d heat conducting means, said discharging means comprising said operated pump means including an operating n lever movably mounted on the handle, a piston reciprocable in response to actuation of said lever, and connecting rod means establishing operative connection between said lever and said piston, said closure being adapted for cooperation with said connecting rod means, said closure '7 being rotatable in said tube for adjusting said heat conducting means and for controlling operation of said pump means, said connecting rod means being adapted normally to retain said closure against rotation, said connecting rod means being movable upon actuation of said lever to accommodate rotation of said closure.

12. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 2, including a filler tube for said reservoir, a closure for said tube, said closure being operatively associated with said heat conducting means and with said discharging means and being rotatable in said tube to control said heat conducting means an-d said discharging means, said discharging means comprising hand operated pump means including a spring biased piston, a lever movably mounted on the handle, and connecting rod means operatively connecting said lever and said piston, said closure being adapted for cooperation with said connecting rod means, said connecting rod means normally being biased into cooperative association with said closure to retain said closure against rotation, said lever being operable to effect disassociation of said closure and said rod means to aci commodate rotation of said closure. Y

13. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 2, said spraying means comprising an adjustable ball type 20 spray nozzle adapted for variation in the amount and direction of spraying.

. 14. In a flat iron, the combination as yset forth in claim 2, said spraying means including a spray nozzle having liquid passageway means leading to adjacent the bottom of said reservoir and having operative communication with said discharging means.

l5. In a at iron having an electrically heated sole plate, a liquid reservoir disposed in insulated relation with respect to the sole plate, a steam outlet in the sole plate, a steam generator movable into and out of heat conducting relation with the sole plate, said steam generator when moved into heat conducting relation with the sole plate being operative and establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam outlet in said sole plate, a spray nozzle spaced from said sole plate and adapted to communicate with said reservoir for discharging liquid from said reservoir forwardly of the sole plate, means for force feeding liquid from said reservoir to said spray nozzle, and means for selectively rendering said steam generator and said feeding means operative.

16. In a at iron having an electrically heated sole plate and a handle for manipulating the iron, a liquid reservoir disposed in insulated relation with respect to the Sole plate, a steam outlet in the sole plate, a steam generator movable into and out of heat conducting relation with the sole plate, said steam generator when moved into heat conducting relation with the sole plate being operative and establishing communication between said reservoir and said steam outlet in the sole plate, a spray nozzle spaced from said sole plate and adapted to communicate with said reservoir for -discharging liquid from said reservoir forwardly of the sole plate, pump means associated with the handle for force feeding liquid from said reservoir to said spray nozzle, and control means associated with the handle for selectively rendering said steam generator and said pump means operative and inoperative, whereby the iron is adapted upon manipulation of the handle and the control and pump means associated therewith for dry, steam and spray ironing.

17. In a at iron, the combination as set forth in claim l5, said spray nozzle including fluid passageway means, and a member operatively associated with said movable steam generator adapted for association with the passageway means of said nozzle, said member being disposed in communication with said passageway means when said steam generator is not in heat conducting relation with said sole plate.

18. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 15, including a housing, said liquid reservoir being disposed exteriorly of the housing, conduit means accommodating gravity feed of liquid from said reservoir, said conduit means including valved liquid accumulating means, said force feeding means being associated with said valved accumulating means and being under the control of the iron user for forcing liquid from said reservoir to said spray nozzle, said steam generator when moved into heat conducting relation with the sole plate communicating with said conduit means for the gravity feed of liquid thereto.

19. In a llat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 18, including distributing means movably mounted with respect to the outlet of said accumulating means for controlling thhe llow of liquid from said accumulating means to said steam generator and to said spray nozzle.

20. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 19, the housing defining a steam accumulating chamber, said steam generator having an inlet communicating with said distributing means and an outlet communicating with the chamber defined by the housing, the steam generated in said steam generator being accumulated in said chamber, said distributing means-together with said steam generator defining a valve stem and a valve head for accommodating flow of drops of liquid to said steam generator. f

21. In a tlat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 19, Ysaid means for rendering sai-d steam generator and said feeding means operative comprising a control instrumentality for actuating said distributing means to effect control of steam generating and spraying,tsaid control instrumentality being adapted for cooperation with said feeding means to render said feeding means inoperative when said distributing means is adjusted for flow of liquid to said steam generator and to adjust said distributing means for ow of liquid to said spray nozzle when said feeding means is rendered operative.

22. In a liat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 15, including a steam accumulating chamber, passageway means accommodating ow of steam from said steam generator to said chamber, said steam outlet in the sole plate comprising restricted steam discharge openings in the sole plate communicating with said chamber, said restricted steam discharge openings accommodating a buildup of steam pressure .in said chamber and a discharge of steam through the sole plate under pressure.

23. In a flat iron, the combination as set forth in claim 15, including passageway means between said reservoir and said steam generator accommodating low of liquid from said reservoir to said steam generator, said force feeding means being disposc'l in said passageway means and including back-pressure actuated valves accommodating said gravity flow and operable upon operation of said feeding means to control force feed of liquid.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,292,386 Fitzgerald Aug. 18, 1942 2,387,757 Hoecker Oct. 3.0, 1945 2,437,571 Waage Mar. 9, 1948 2,441,916 Busch et al. May 18, 1948 2,512,054 Dafforn et. al. June 20, 1950 2,520,360 Clark Aug. 29, 1950 2,615,265 Maykemper Oct. 28, 1952 2,666,998 Dalorn et a1 Ian. 26, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 509,596 Germany Oct. 11, 1930 243,584 Switzerland Ian. 3, 1947 

